In central Tempe, right on Mill Avenue is an unassuming sanctuary of joy in our community. At Believe I Can Academy (BICA), inclusion is a state of mind. Through their programs, kids of all abilities have a safe and welcoming environment to express themselves among friends and learn skills to become more independent in the future.
For education and awareness about differently-abled individuals and to understand the services available, you’re invited to attend BICA’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Tempe Chamber on Wednesday, August 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at 2121 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282.
“I want people to walk away seeing ability, not disability” Owner Sarah Davis said when asked why she’s holding this Ribbon Cutting event. “I want people to see how these kids give back to the Tempe community and surrounding areas, and they take care of each other. Everyone has a job and a place at Believe I Can Academy.”
There’s no great fortune and glory in this kind of work, but Sarah sees the potential for greatness in these kids; “Our logo is a hand coming out of a book because where there’s knowledge, there’s power. When you have an opportunity to try, you can reach for the stars, and we don’t put limitations on anybody.”
For kids that everyone else seems to give up on, Sarah provides a chance and the tools to succeed. Seeing these kids achieve what once seemed impossible is enlivening.
Since she was 11, Sarah knew she wanted to open a special needs organization. When she got in trouble for being sassy, her “punishment” was to go to the Special Ed class where she learned she had a knack for working with special needs kids. Sarah earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Special Education, teaching for 10 years before branching out on her own. She also obtained her Culinary Arts degree in hopes to one day open a cafe run by individuals with varied abilities. At her core, Sarah is an unwavering advocate for special needs kids, and that was the drive she needed to start her own business.
Believe I Can Academy earned the Business Leadership Award at the 2016 Tempe Mayor’s Disability Award Ceremony. What started as a home school grew into an organization that helps create educational opportunities with specialized instruction for individuals with unique needs. BICA is striving to meet the needs of individuals with special needs, their family, and their community. They advocate, enrich, educate and encourage all individuals.
The Cutlip family explains their experience: “Working with Believe I Can Academy and Sarah Davis has been life changing! In addition to the summer activities, volunteer opportunities, social groups and events, as well as therapy connections, we have been lucky enough to have Mrs. Davis as our child’s advocate. In the last 5 years we have seen both his academic growth increase exponentially, as Mrs. Davis works with our IEP team to ensure that our student achieves his goals. We can’t thank Believe I Can Academy enough for the many positive experiences they have provided us with, and look forward to many more in the years to come.”
Join us as we celebrate this wonderful organization as they open their doors to teach Tempe about abilities and the services provided. Facebook event, and contact: [email protected].